Locked Up Sports: New York Sports Talk

Jets at Chiefs and Giants at Eagles week nine NFL preview

1. JETS 33, RAIDERS 38 — ANOTHER COLLAPSE Jets fall to 2-6. Raiders improve to 4-4. Jets led 23-14 at halftime. New York extended the lead to 30-21 in the third quarter. Las Vegas then scored 17 of the final 20 points. Jets defense couldn’t get the stops when they mattered. Raiders took the lead 35-30 on Jalen Nailor’s fourth-quarter touchdown. Matt Gay’s 53-yard field goal made it 38-33. Geno Smith’s final end-zone interception ended the comeback attempt. (New York Jets) 2. THE OFFENSE WASN’T THE BIGGEST PROBLEMThe Jets put up 439 total yards.Geno Smith 22-of-30 290 passing yards 2 TD 1 INT Braelon Allen 147 rushing yards 21 carries 7.0 yards per carry 1 TD Adonai Mitchell Career-high 142 receiving yards 1 TD The offense did enough to win this football game. The defense didn’t finish it. (New York Jets)3. “JETS BEING JETS” — OR “JETS BEATING JETS”?Minkah Fitzpatrick’s postgame comments became an immediate talking point.The initial reporting quoted him saying:“Jets being Jets.”The Jets later pushed back, saying Fitzpatrick actually said:“Jets beating Jets.”Either way, the underlying criticism is the same: penalties, mistakes and self-inflicted problems are continuing to determine the outcome of games. (NBC Sports)4. COWBOYS — ANOTHER EPIC COLLAPSEDallas led Arizona by two scores and appeared to have the game under control.Then Gardner Minshew entered the game.Arizona scored four consecutive touchdowns to erase the deficit and force overtime. Tyler Allgeier also went off for 147 rushing yards.The Cardinals eventually won 33-30 in overtime. (Dallas Cowboys)5. CHIEFS — 24-13 LEAD VANISHESKansas City looked like it was going to take control of the AFC West.Instead, Denver came back.The Chiefs led 24-13 in the fourth quarter, but the Broncos scored twice and eventually won 28-24.Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City had first-and-goal at the Denver 4 with 35 seconds remaining, but Denver’s defense made the goal-line stand to finish the comeback. (https://www.kctv5.com)6. VIKINGS FINALLY FALLMinnesota entered the weekend as the NFL’s final undefeated team.Detroit changed that.The Lions defeated Minnesota 19-15, handing the Vikings their first loss after a 6-0 start. Jared Goff’s late touchdown pass to Jameson Williams put Detroit ahead with 4:35 remaining. (AP News)7. BIGGEST WEEK 8 QUESTIONS Can the Jets fix their defense? Is 2-6 effectively the end of the Jets’ season? Is the Jets’ biggest problem talent, coaching or execution? Can Dallas stop blowing games? Are the Broncos now the team to beat in the AFC West? What does Kansas City’s loss mean for the AFC? Was Minnesota’s undefeated start fool’s gold? Which Week 8 result matters most heading into Week 9? LOCKED UP SPORTS TAKEThe Jets are running out of excuses.They’ve shown they can move the football. They’ve shown they can score points. But until they stop beating themselves — whether you call it “Jets being Jets” or “Jets beating Jets” — none of it matters.

WORLD SERIES RECAP Milwaukee Brewers are World Champions Brewers defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 4 games to 1. Milwaukee wins the first World Series championship in franchise history. Milwaukee won Games 1, 2, 3 and 5. Tampa Bay’s lone victory came in Game 4. The Brewers’ offense exploded in Game 3, winning 10-1. Milwaukee’s pitching and bullpen depth were major factors throughout the series. William Contreras was named World Series MVP. The Brewers also swept the Dodgers in the NLCS. Talking Points Was Milwaukee simply the better team, or did Tampa Bay collapse? The importance of pitching depth in October. Milwaukee’s ability to consistently manufacture offense. The Brewers’ defense and athleticism. Tampa Bay’s inability to generate enough offense consistently. What the World Series tells us about roster construction. Is the Brewers’ championship a blueprint for smaller-market teams? Key fact: MLB’s official postseason recap has Milwaukee defeating Tampa Bay 4-1, with the Brewers winning 3-2, 5-4, 10-1 and 4-1, while Tampa Bay won Game 4, 4-3. (MLB.com⁠) 2. NEW YORK METS — OFFSEASON BEGINS The Mets are officially into the 2026-27 offseason, and now the real work begins. Big Questions What is the Mets’ biggest roster need? Do they need another frontline starting pitcher? How aggressive should Steve Cohen and the front office be? Which current players should be considered untouchable? Which players should be moved? What should happen with the middle infield? How much should the Mets rely on internal development? Is the farm system ready to provide meaningful help? Should the Mets make a major splash or build depth? Free Agency The Mets enter an offseason where starting pitching is expected to be one of the major priorities. Current reporting identifies the rotation as an area where the club could look to make a significant addition. (Yahoo Sports⁠) Bigger Discussion The Mets can’t simply buy their way out of every problem. The question isn’t: “Who can the Mets sign?” The better question is: “What does this roster actually need to become a championship roster?” That’s the discussion. 3. NEW YORK YANKEES — WHAT NOW? The Yankees’ offseason arguably has even more questions. The Yankees were eliminated by Tampa Bay in the ALDS, and the organization now has to determine whether 2026 was an aberration or evidence that the roster needs significant changes. Biggest Questions Is Aaron Boone the right manager for 2027? What happens with Brian Cashman’s contract situation? How much should the Yankees spend? What happens with Jazz Chisholm Jr.? What happens with Trent Grisham? Does David Bednar return? What do they do with Giancarlo Stanton? How do they protect Aaron Judge? How much can they realistically count on Judge staying healthy? Is the rotation deep enough? Does the Yankees’ lineup need another impact bat? MLB identified Boone, Cashman’s contract, free agency, Judge/Stanton and the overall roster construction as five major questions facing the Yankees this offseason. (MLB.com⁠) The Aaron Judge Problem This deserves its own conversation. The Yankees cannot simply assume: Aaron Judge healthy = problem solved. Judge missed significant time in 2026, including the postseason, and the Yankees’ offense suffered badly without him. The Yankees need to construct a roster that can survive stretches without their best player. Yankees Offseason Philosophy Ask: Do the Yankees need more stars—or fewer holes? That could be one of the central debates of the offseason. 4. WORLD SERIES LESSONS FOR NEW YORK This is where we connect the baseball segments. Mets and Yankees both need to ask: Are we building for October or simply for 90+ regular-season wins? Is there enough pitching depth? Is the roster athletic enough? Is the bullpen deep enough? Can the lineup survive injuries? Are young players actually ready to contribute? Are we spending money intelligently? The Brewers’ championship provides a useful contrast to the traditional “buy the biggest names” approach. 5. NFL WEEK 8 New York Giants — BYE WEEK The Giants enter their bye at 4-2-1 and atop the NFC East, giving them an opportunity to regroup before the second half of the season. (HEAVY⁠) Their bye is officially Week 8, with the Giants returning November 8 against Philadelphia. (New York Giants⁠) Giants Talking Points Are the Giants actually a legitimate playoff team? Is this the beginning of a real turnaround? What has John Harbaugh changed? What has worked? What still needs fixing? Can the Giants win the NFC East? What should fans expect after the bye? How important is the Philadelphia game? Biggest Concern Defensive line depth remains an issue, particularly behind the starting group. (HEAVY⁠) Bottom Line The bye changes the conversation. The Giants aren’t trying to figure out whether they can compete anymore. They’re trying to figure out whether they’re good enough to win the division. 6. NEW YORK JETS vs. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS Sunday, November 1 Raiders at Jets — 1:00 PM ET The Jets enter the game 2-5 after losses to New England and Miami. (NFL⁠) The Big Question Can the Jets finally play a complete football game? That’s the standard. Not: Can they make a couple of big plays? Can the offense move the ball for stretches? Can the defense create a few turnovers? The question is whether the Jets can put together four quarters of competent football. Jets Keys 1. Start fast The Jets can’t spend another game trying to dig themselves out of a hole. 2. Protect the quarterback Pressure and turnovers can completely change this matchup. 3. Establish the run The Jets need balance and can’t become one-dimensional. 4. Win the turnover battle This is a game where one or two turnovers could decide everything. 5. Finish This has been the biggest issue with struggling teams: good moments aren’t enough. The Raiders Las Vegas comes into MetLife looking to steal a road victory. The Jets need to treat this as a game they should win, rather than another opportunity to simply “compete.” That’s an important distinction. 7. NFL WEEK 8 — BIGGER PICTURE Questions for the show Who is the best team in the NFL right now? Who is the biggest surprise? Who is the biggest disappointment? Which teams are legitimate contenders? Who should be buyers at the trade deadline? Which teams are already looking toward 2027? Is the NFC becoming more competitive? What is the biggest NFL storyline heading into November? RAPID-FIRE SEGMENT Mets One player you absolutely want back? Yankees One player you would move on from? World Series What was the biggest reason Milwaukee won? Giants Playoffs or no playoffs? Jets Beat the Raiders or bust? NFL Super Bowl contender nobody is talking about? New York Sports Which team has the most important offseason?

What makes the knuckleball one of the most fascinating—and unpredictable—pitches in baseball? On this episode of Locked Up Sports: New York Sports Talk, we sit down with Brian Gaffney, Fox News executive and author of School of Hard Knucks: My Three Sons and Baseball’s Wildest Pitch. Brian takes us inside the history, science, mystery and culture surrounding baseball’s knuckleball—and the personal journey that inspired him to write the book. We discuss: ⚾ The history of the knuckleball and the pitchers who made it famous ⚾ Why the knuckleball moves so unpredictably ⚾ What makes the pitch so difficult to throw—and even harder to hit ⚾ How Brian’s son began throwing the knuckleball at a young age ⚾ His son’s journey through youth baseball and into Division II college baseball ⚾ The challenges of developing a pitch that many coaches don’t understand ⚾ Why the knuckleball has become increasingly rare in modern baseball ⚾ What makes the pitch such an incredible underdog story ⚾ The inspiration behind School of Hard Knucks ⚾ Brian’s experience documenting his three sons and their baseball journey ⚾ Why the knuckleball continues to fascinate baseball fans The knuckleball has always existed outside the traditional rules of pitching. It doesn’t necessarily overpower hitters. It doesn’t rely on velocity. And when it’s thrown correctly, sometimes even the pitcher doesn’t know exactly where it’s going. That’s what makes it so special. Brian Gaffney’s School of Hard Knucks explores that mystery through the history of the pitch and his family’s own experience with it. 📖 School of Hard Knucks: My Three Sons and Baseball’s Wildest Pitch is available now. If you enjoy the conversation, LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to Locked Up Sports, and SHARE it with another baseball fan. 🎙️ Locked Up Sports: New York Sports Talk The Best New York Sports Talk On The Internet #MLB #Baseball #Knuckleball #SchoolOfHardKnucks #BrianGaffney #LockedUpSports

LOCKED UP SPORTS — NFL WEEK 5 PREVIEW GIANTS AT COMMANDERS Giants enter Week 5 at 3-1 and atop the NFC East. Washington enters at 1-3. Jayden Daniels is expected to return for Washington after missing two games with an elbow injury. Giants are trying to establish themselves as a legitimate NFC East contender. Can New York’s defense create enough pressure and turnovers? Can the Giants’ offense stay efficient with Jameis Winston? Malik Nabers remains a major focal point of the Giants’ passing attack. BROWNS AT JETS Browns enter at 3-1. Jets enter at 1-3. Cleveland has been one of the early surprises of the season. Jets return home needing a victory. Can the Jets generate enough pressure against Cleveland’s offense? Can New York eliminate penalties and late-game execution problems? A critical game for the Jets if they don’t want to fall further behind in the AFC East. AROUND THE NFL Quick-hit discussion of: Eagles at Jaguars Bears at Packers Bengals at Dolphins Raiders at Patriots Vikings at Saints Texans at Titans Colts at Steelers Broncos at Chargers Lions at Cardinals 49ers at Seahawks Ravens at Falcons Bills at Rams BIG QUESTIONS Are the Giants for real? Can the Jets save their season? Is Cleveland a legitimate playoff contender? Which Week 5 matchup has the biggest playoff implications? Which team could surprise us this weekend?

Recapping an embarrassing Yankee loss putting them on the brink of elimination. Offense remains nonexistent and four errors headline ugly game 2 loss.

The Giants are officially 3-1 and alone in first place in the NFC East after another wild finish at MetLife Stadium. Big Blue overcame a back-and-forth game and once again made the defining defensive play when it mattered most. With Arizona threatening at the Giants’ 4-yard line late in the fourth quarter, Deonte Banks intercepted Jacoby Brissett at the 2 and returned it 98 yards for a touchdown as time expired. It was the Giants’ second straight game-ending interception and their fourth consecutive game with an interception. Giants Talking Points • Are the Giants becoming a legitimate NFC contender? • Is this defense turning into the identity of the team? • Another goal-line stand — is this becoming a trademark of this Giants team? • Deonte Banks goes from potential goat to hero in a matter of seconds. • Jameis Winston throws for 250 yards and 3 touchdowns, but also has 2 interceptions. • Malik Nabers explodes for 112 receiving yards and a touchdown. • Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese continues to make an impact. • The Giants remain undefeated at MetLife Stadium. • What does being 3-1 and leading the NFC East mean heading into Week 5? BIG GIANTS DEBATE Are the Giants actually good, or are they simply finding ways to win? That may be the biggest question coming out of Week 4. The Giants haven’t been perfect, but they continue to make winning plays at critical moments. JETS — 1-3 AND IN SERIOUS TROUBLE Chicago Bears 23, New York Jets 12 The Jets suffered one of their worst performances of the young season, getting dominated by Chicago at Soldier Field. The numbers tell the story: Bears: 492 total yards Jets: 157 total yards Chicago dominated time of possession, ran 89 offensive plays compared with just 32 for New York, and controlled the game virtually from start to finish. Jets Talking Points • Jets fall to 1-3 after their third straight loss. • Only 157 total yards for New York. • Jets managed just 7 first downs. • Chicago recorded 34 first downs. • Jets committed 12 penalties for 76 yards. • Kyle Monangai ran for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns for Chicago. • Tyson Bagent threw for 268 yards. • Geno Smith finished with 119 passing yards and a touchdown. • Isaiah Williams provided the Jets’ biggest offensive play with a 58-yard TD. • The Jets couldn’t stay on the field and couldn’t stop the Bears from controlling the football. BIG JETS DEBATE What is this Jets team supposed to be? After three straight losses, the pressure is rising on Aaron Glenn and the Jets. Is the biggest problem the offense, the lack of complementary football, the penalties — or is this simply a team that isn’t good enough? NFL WEEK 4 — AROUND THE LEAGUE BIGGEST RESULTS Giants 36, Cardinals 24 Giants improve to 3-1 and take sole possession of first place. Bears 23, Jets 12 Chicago dominates New York and improves to 3-1. Patriots 29, Bills 26 New England hands Buffalo a dramatic loss in a major AFC matchup. Cowboys 34, Texans 30 Dallas survives a high-scoring thriller. Rams 24, Eagles 20 Los Angeles knocks off Philadelphia in a major NFC showdown. Packers 17, Buccaneers 14 Green Bay wins a defensive battle. Ravens 24, Titans 18 Baltimore improves to 3-1 while Tennessee falls to 0-4. Jaguars 22, Bengals 17 Jacksonville continues its strong start at 3-1. Vikings 15, Dolphins 10 Minnesota wins another low-scoring game. Chiefs 30, Raiders 27 Kansas City survives a tight AFC West battle. Seahawks 30, Chargers 23 Seattle picks up an important conference win. 49ers 24, Broncos 14 San Francisco continues its strong start. Panthers 32, Lions 26 Carolina shocks Detroit in the Sunday night game. Colts 30, Commanders 13 Indianapolis wins in London as Washington drops to 1-3. WEEK 4 QUESTIONS NFC • Are the Giants the team to beat in the NFC East right now? • Can Philadelphia rebound? • Are the Rams emerging as a serious contender? • How dangerous are the 3-1 teams? AFC • What happened to Buffalo against New England? • Are the Chiefs still the team to beat in the AFC West? • Which AFC teams are legitimate contenders after four weeks? BIGGEST WINNERS Giants, Bears, Patriots, Jaguars, Rams, Seahawks BIGGEST LOSERS Jets, Bills, Eagles, Lions, Dolphins, Titans

Jaxson Dart is expected to undergo season-ending knee surgery. Why Dart’s injury changes the outlook for the Giants’ 2026 season. What Monday night’s loss to the Rams showed about the offense without Dart. Jameis Winston’s opportunity to lead the team the rest of the way. Why an available quarterback is unlikely to turn the Giants into contenders. The case against trading players or draft picks for a short-term answer. What New York can still accomplish: evaluate its roster and plan for Dart’s return.

WEEK 2 — NEW YORK FOOTBALL PREVIEW PACKERS AT JETS Jets home opener Can New York move to 2-0? What Green Bay presents that Tennessee didn’t Jordan Love and the Packers’ vertical passing game Jets Key #1: Start fast at home Jets Key #2: Geno Smith doesn’t need to be Superman Jets Key #3: Make Jordan Love play underneath Jets Key #4: Establish the run early Breece Hall’s importance to the offensive game plan Turnover battle Jets defense vs. Green Bay’s explosive plays Prediction: Jets 28, Packers 24 GIANTS AT RAMS — MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Giants face their first major road test Throw out Week 1 for Los Angeles? Matthew Stafford and the Rams passing attack Can the Giants secondary hold up? Giants Key #1: Make Stafford uncomfortable early Giants Key #2: Attack the middle of the Rams defense Giants Key #3: Use Dart’s legs Giants Key #4: Protect Dart inside the pocket Giants must eliminate penalties Why turnovers could decide this game Can the Giants generate enough offense to keep pace? Prediction: Rams 31, Giants 21 PLUS What 2-0 would mean for the Jets What we need to learn about both New York teams in Week 2 Bob’s final predictions

New York football couldn't have asked for a much better start. The Jets opened the season with an impressive 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans, putting together a dominant performance to begin Week 1 on the right foot. Is this the first sign that the Jets could be better than expected this season? Then, the Giants delivered under the lights, knocking off the Dallas Cowboys 28-20 in a statement victory to open their season. Both New York teams are 1-0, and both gave their fans plenty to be excited about. Bob Walters and Brett Grosso break down the Jets and Giants victories, what impressed them most, what still needs work, and how much we should take away from one week. Plus, it's a complete trip around the NFL as Locked Up Sports reviews the biggest games, performances, surprises and storylines from Week 1 of the NFL season. The Best New York Sports Talk on the Internet — Locked Up Sports.